The Enhance Iowa Board has announced they will begin accepting applications for the new Sports Tourism program Feb. 1.
The program will provide financial assistance for projects that market or promote professional, collegiate and amateur level sporting events that occur in Iowa. Funding for the program was appropriated during the 2021 legislative session.
Cities, counties, Iowa not-for-profit economic development organizations or other Iowa not-for-profit organizations, including those that sponsor or support sporting events, are eligible to apply for assistance up to 50% of the eligible cost to actively promote or market an eligible sporting event. Grant requests may not exceed $500,000.
The application form and additional information are available at https://www.iowaeda.com/enhance-iowa/sports-tourism/. Applications will be accepted on the first of the month, starting on February 1, through June 1, 2022, or until the $1,500,000 in program funds are fully allocated.
A webinar will be held Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. to explain the program and answer questions from potential applicants.
The Enhance Iowa Board oversees the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) and Sport Tourism programs. CAT provides financial incentives to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. To date, 99 CAT grants have been awarded by the board, totaling $31,508,183.
